A complex fraction is a fraction that contains a fraction.
To simplify a complex fraction, you need to multiply every term by the smallest
number that will clear all fractions in the numerator and denominator.
Example:
Solution:
All four denominators will divide easily into 12. You must multiply all of
the fractions by 12 to get rid of the fractions:
Your problem now looks like this: .
Try a subtraction problem.
Example:
Solution:
Again, multiply all terms by 12. Don’t forget about the 1.
Fractions: The Vocabulary
The numerator is the number on top of the fraction.
The denominator is the number on the bottom of the
fraction.
A mixed number contains an integer and a fraction.
An improper fraction is larger on the top than on the
bottom.
To find the multiplicative inverse, switch around the
top and bottom numbers.
A complex number is a fraction containing fractions.
Fractions: The Rules
To add or subtract two simple fractions:
Cross-multiply and perform the function on top.
Multiply across the bottom. Simplify if necessary.
Addition or subtraction of multiple fractions may require common
denominators:
Find the smallest integer the denominators divide into.
Multiply each numerator by the same number the denominator is multiplied
by to get to the common denominator.
Perform addition or subtraction on top. Use common denominator as the
denominator.
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